Mercedes Benz World is now taking orders for corporate bookings, and the company has marked the occasion with the first lap of its new handling track. The Bionic Car concept vehicle completed the first official lap 98 years, 4 months and 28 days since the original Brooklands launch party in June 1907.

The new handling courses are still under construction, but already the surface is smooth enough for a complete circuit. After laying the top layer of smooth, grippy asphalt next spring, the completed tracks (totalling 1.55 miles) will give visitors a thrilling chance to experience how the Mercedes Benz cars react to different driving conditions, including ESP tests on wet grip circles.

Meetings with a difference

The handling circuit’s tracks, adjacent 10-acre off-road course, and huge Brand Centre building will be available to customers, families and to companies which have hired the complex’s facilities. Mercedes Benz World is already open to bookings from the end of 2006 - and space is filling up fast.

Clive Stephens, Operations and Events General Manager at Mercedes Benz World explained: "People are already booking with us for next autumn and Christmas, and feedback has been remarkably positive.

"Our site will include flexible meeting and conference space for over 300 delegates, with the added appeal of bespoke driving packages - unique for a location within the M25. We’re not offering white-knuckle track days, but courses in giving drivers the confidence and skills to cope in extreme situations. There’ll be hints and demonstrations to improve safety; off-roading; and skid and slide control. In days where health and safety is at the top of most companies’ agenda, adding an element of driving tuition to a corporate away day could reap benefits."

Those who don’t want to get on track can watch in comfort from the balcony of the Gullwing restaurant - offering five star quality food and beverage, and the prime position to see over the entire 155 acre development.

Clive Stephens continued: "By offering our corporate guests a complete meetings solution we can provide everything in one place, all in a fantastic green location and within half an hour of central London. Brooklands is also only 15 minutes from Heathrow airport, making one-day visits from Europe a viable option."

Test drive in safety

As well as offering visitors driving tuition, two new tracks will be used for test drives, allowing customers and their guests to try out vehicles in safety and in privacy, without ever running into rush hour traffic.

Mercedes Benz World will also function as a vehicle retailer for Maybach, Mercedes Benz and smart models. New and used vehicle sales, service and repair, and accessories will all be available alongside a display of every vehicle in the Mercedes Car Group range.

Displays of the company’s most famous models past and present, interactive displays and a low pressure ‘no hard sell’ atmosphere will all make Mercedes Benz World the perfect venue for a wide range of users of all ages.